Ask a Tao Cultivator Anything.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ask a Tao Cultivator Anything.

Posted: 7/21/2010 7:57:00 AM EDT

So I'm a Tao Cultivator. Ask me stuff

To get it started, I'll say that being a Tao Cultivator has nothing to do w/ religion; it is a spiritual practice that seeks to improve the relationship and influence of "God" in an individual's life.

One can practice any religion of their choosing or none at all and still cultivate Tao.

In my local group we have a Baptist Pastor, a Jew, several Buddhists and lots of Catholics/Christians, as well as folks like myself who are not interested in any dogma.

It's basically just Eastern Mysticism (Hidden knowledge) in the classic lineage sense, but nobody is preaching any hidden knowledge, or selling it, lol.

The concept is to strengthen you conscience, thus enabling you to communicate w/ "God", "Tao", "Universal Truth", whatever you want to call IT.

Doing that will (hopefully) bring about spiritual experiences and changes.

It's all about experience and fine tuning the conscience; this enables people to change from the inside out, as they make better decisions based on their conscience and personal beliefs.

Religion can do the same thing, but it's considered by many in Eastern Traditions to be a slower process. I don't personally believe that as I think everyone is different and has had different experiences;

different strokes for different folks

So, I'm sitting here at work w/ a head cold and the psudofed makes me want to type, lol.

Ask Away.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 7:57:56 AM EDT

[#1]

Wait, what?

I had to replace one of the mould boards on our potato cultivator last fall...

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:01:24 AM EDT

[#2]

What are your feelings on the tao of Steve?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:02:39 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:

What are your feelings on the tao of Steve?

Lol, what? Never heard of it...

I read the first "The Tao of Pooh" years ago though.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:03:23 AM EDT

[#4]

I have an old John Deere cultivator that I am refurbing

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:05:06 AM EDT

[#5]

This sounds nuttier than squirrel shit! Whatever floats your boat though, sounds like it makes you happy and collects folks across religious lines, so can't be that bad. Still, I wouldn't bring this up on first dates.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:05:19 AM EDT

[#6]

Was Speed Racer a Taoist?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:06:54 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
What are your feelings on the tao of Steve?

Awful movie, from what I can remember.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:07:42 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:

This sounds nuttier than squirrel shit! Whatever floats your boat though, sounds like it makes you happy and collects folks across religious lines, so can't be that bad. Still, I wouldn't bring this up on first dates.

Lol, ya I know. Americans who practice any type of Eastern religion or tradition have a bad stigma as being "out there" or whackjobs.

I don't tell folks about this in real life unless it comes up, but I felt like stirring it up a bit on arfcom today.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:09:01 AM EDT

[#9]

So is this energy work like Reiki or Qi Gong, or is it more philosophical?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:13:02 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:

Was Speed Racer a Taoist?

Idk...I only know one Taoist and I can't stand him.

Philosophically, My lineage of Tao Cultivation is closer to Confucism than Taoism.

But in China (Speed's home) the majority of folks practice "folk" religion, which is just any mixture of Eastern religions and sometimes even Christianity.
So, who's to say...Racer X kinda struck me as the classic Buddhist though, leaving home out of frustration for the pain in his family to find himself...
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:13:56 AM EDT

[#11]

Does it bother you when people pronounce "Tao" with a "T" sound instead of a "D" sound? Be honest.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:17:06 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:

So is this energy work like Reiki or Qi Gong, or is it more philosophical?

Naw, it's more philosophy.

But a lot of the things we do are explained by some of the teachers as "moving this energy" or doing that...

...No one cares if you believe any of that stuff though, as it just doesn't matter.

Things like that are kinda just said in passing.

Some folks believe that stuff based on experiences that they have had, but no one is ever expected to believe something on faith.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:17:30 AM EDT

[#13]

Do you find that the meditative/focus techniques are useful when performing attention-based tasks such as martial arts or shooting?

Do you find that the physical actions of one (or more) of those activities actually triggers a reflexive response that assists in meditation/focus?

If so, what activity(ies) do you prefer?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:18:10 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Was Speed Racer a Taoist?

Idk...I only know one Taoist and I can't stand him.

Philosophically, My lineage of Tao Cultivation is closer to Confucism than Taoism.

But in China (Speed's home) the majority of folks practice "folk" religion, which is just any mixture of Eastern religions and sometimes even Christianity.

So, who's to say...Racer X kinda struck me as the classic Buddhist though, leaving home out of frustration for the pain in his family to find himself...

Speed

I thought Speed Racer was from Japan.

Who knew?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:18:23 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Does it bother you when people pronounce "Tao" with a "T" sound instead of a "D" sound? Be honest.

Well then they should spell it with a damn D then... if it is going to be transliterated from another language, at least spell it like it should be pronounced, not make us guess how some freaky-deaky chinaman would want it pronounced.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:18:40 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:

Does it bother you when people pronounce "Tao" with a "T" sound instead of a "D" sound? Be honest.

Lol, a little

My one teacher is from Taiwan, and his "Chinglish" can be hysterical sometimes

Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:19:22 AM EDT

[#17]

Hidden knowledge, huh?

What are tonight's lotto numbers?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:20:02 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:

Quoted:
What are your feelings on the tao of Steve?

Lol, what? Never heard of it...

I read the first "The Tao of Pooh" years ago though.

Speed

I read "The Tao of Pooh" many years ago. What's your opinion of it? BTW, I didn't know there was more than one.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:20:29 AM EDT

[#19]

Who cares?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:22:01 AM EDT

[#20]

Are you talking about your conscience, or your consciousness?
Spelling matters, even if it is mystic knowledge you seek.

Edit for spelling.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:22:38 AM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:

Do you find that the meditative/focus techniques are useful when performing attention-based tasks such as martial arts or shooting?

Do you find that the physical actions of one (or more) of those activities actually triggers a reflexive response that assists in meditation/focus?

If so, what activity(ies) do you prefer?

No, sorry. Our few physical practices aren't things I've really tried to use in regards to well, anything physical

Although....I did try one while playing golf once, but I don't think it helped

Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:24:22 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

Are you talking about your concience, or your consciousness?

Spelling matters, even if it is mystic knowledge you seek.

conscience.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:25:06 AM EDT

[#23]

Here's a question....

How fucked up do you have be to study "eastern mysticism"?

Life doesn't seem all that hard to understand.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:26:18 AM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:

Quoted:

What are your feelings on the tao of Steve?

Lol, what? Never heard of it...

I read the first "The Tao of Pooh" years ago though.
Speed

I read "The Tao of Pooh" many years ago. What's your opinion of it? BTW, I didn't know there was more than one.

It was a long time ago, but I remember enjoying it.

Ya, that guy wrote more...and why not; might as well capitalize on it, lol.

Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:28:06 AM EDT

[#25]

My conscience helps me discern right from wrong.

What the heck does "cultivating your conscience" have to do with whatever you trying to learn?

Do you have none?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:28:51 AM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:

Here's a question....

How fucked up do you have be to study "eastern mysticism"?

Life doesn't seem all that hard to understand.

Well, you could be one of a couple billion Asians of just a curious person from another race...

...depends on what you definition of "fucked up" is.

Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:30:37 AM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:
What are your feelings on the tao of Steve?

Lol, what? Never heard of it...

I read the first "The Tao of Pooh" years ago though.

Speed

I read "The Tao of Pooh" many years ago. What's your opinion of it? BTW, I didn't know there was more than one.

It was a long time ago, but I remember enjoying it.

Ya, that guy wrote more...and why not; might as well capitalize on it, lol.

Speed

I enjoyed it as well. Might be worth a re-read.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:31:32 AM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:

My conscience helps me discern right from wrong.

What the heck does "cultivating your conscience" have to do with whatever you trying to learn?

Do you have none?

Well here's is my Personal belief:

Your conscience is how "God" communicates to you. The more I learn to hear my conscience, the more prone I am to do "God's will" for lack of better terminology.

Again, that's My belief based on MY experiences and understanding...I can't and won't try to argue that w/ anyone.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:36:55 AM EDT

[#29]

Wow, two old school decent post count non paying members, talking shit instead of asking pertinent questions or providing information.

Thanks for your contributions.

OP, I'm nearly through Tao of Pooh, is the Te of Piglet good to read next, or should I branch out?

Any suggested reading?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:37:03 AM EDT

[#30]

You keep putting God in quotes. "God".

Yet you indicate you don't believe in any one god.
This is very confusing.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:37:03 AM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:

Hidden knowledge, huh?

What are tonight's lotto numbers?

Lol, the phrase is a translation, but it refers to the knowledge hidden within oneself.

I'm not sure that lottery numbers are hidden deep within anyone's soul, but for $5.95/min I know a nice seemingly Jamaican woman you can call

Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:44:41 AM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:

You keep putting God in quotes. "God".

Yet you indicate you don't believe in any one god.

This is very confusing.

Sorry, I do that because my personal definition, and that of most eastern sects of God is vastly different than the western definition.

I believe (as does a larger percentage of the world) that "God" is NOT a seperate entity. Everything IS GOD and exists within God.

"God" is a force, and everything exists within and is a part of this force.

"IT" can't really be described fully or even understood, only experienced.

That's kind of a classic eastern definition, but I believe that out of experience.

I wouldn't expect others to just believe some lofty spiritual concept like that because the read it, or someone told them

Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:45:49 AM EDT

[#33]

So what exactly do you do? Meditate? Chant? Sing songs? Tai-chi?

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:51:37 AM EDT

[#34]

Do beans belong in chili? Hey, you said anything.

Posted: 7/21/2010 8:53:25 AM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:

Wow, two old school decent post count non paying members, talking shit instead of asking pertinent questions or providing information.

Thanks for your contributions.

OP, I'm nearly through Tao of Pooh, is the Te of Piglet good to read next, or should I branch out?

Any suggested reading?

Idk bud, lol. I hate making suggestions on books like that.

You know, all those types of books will have some really good stuff in them; what I would consider "spiritual truths" and practical things that can help me become a better person.

However, they always have some BS in them too and it just drives me nuts.

Strangely though, one of the absolute best New Age type books I ever read, was so freaking far fetched, it was actually classified as fiction by the publisher (though it was supposed to be an autobiography, lol)

but the teachings were brilliant.

Concepts like the paradox of predestination and karma with free will, were explained in easy to understand ways that remained profound.

I'll IM you the name of the book.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:00:00 AM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:

So what exactly do you do? Meditate? Chant? Sing songs? Tai-chi?

Thats a good question!

We have 3 practices we are given to use; they are private and we are not allowed to talk about them, but its pretty much just prayer and meditation.

As far as group stuff, there is a "temple" kinda place where a short ceremony is preformed twice everyday.

Sometimes I go to that; all we do is kosos -sp? which are the eastern equivalent of kneeling and standing; just a little faster.

Also we have groups where we get together and talk about how to improve our spiritual progress; although we often just shoot the shit or listen to a speaker who comes in.

Nothing is really required except for an initiation. That's pretty standard for all eastern traditions. The initiate is left to decide what to do with their own lives.

Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:01:04 AM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:

Do beans belong in chili? Hey, you said anything.

I am from PA and I love me some beans

Also, I love using Ranch Style Beans in my chili, but they are pretty hard to find up here.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:02:07 AM EDT

[#38]

Wuwei er wu bu wei.

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:08:51 AM EDT

[#39]

Do you feel that being a Tao Cultivator has improved you life?

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:12:20 AM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:

Do you feel that being a Tao Cultivator has improved you life?

Mildly, although others seem to have noticed more of a difference.

I wouldn't say I've "found what I've always been looking for", but I feel like I'm on the right track now...

if that makes any sense.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:17:09 AM EDT

[#41]

So, you grow weed in New Mexico?

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:59:09 AM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Do you feel that being a Tao Cultivator has improved you life?

Mildly, although others seem to have noticed more of a difference.

I wouldn't say I've "found what I've always been looking for", but I feel like I'm on the right track now...

if that makes any sense.

Speed

I'm personally a bit skeptical when it comes to "mysticism" practices. However I still believe that they have some merits. Even if it is nothing more than allowing you to calm you mind. So that you can hear that small still voice. I hope you find what your looking for OP.

Posted: 7/21/2010 10:04:12 AM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Do you feel that being a Tao Cultivator has improved you life?

Mildly, although others seem to have noticed more of a difference.

I wouldn't say I've "found what I've always been looking for", but I feel like I'm on the right track now...

if that makes any sense.
Speed

I'm personally a bit skeptical when it comes to "mysticism" practices. However I still believe that they have some merits. Even if it is nothing more than allowing you to calm you mind. So that you can hear that small still voice. I hope you find what your looking for OP.

Thanks bud

As hard as it may be to believe after seeing these posts, I'm more skeptical than most people myself, lol.

I don't believe anything on blind faith alone.
Speed

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:28:14 PM EDT

[#44]

what does Laotse mean when he says...

Banish learning and vexations end

Between "ahh" and "Ough"

How much difference is there?

Posted: 7/21/2010 9:34:45 PM EDT

[#45]

if you cultivate from nothingness, did you waste your time?

Posted: 7/22/2010 7:10:14 AM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:

what does Laotse mean when he says...

Banish learning and vexations end

Between "ahh" and "Ough"

How much difference is there?

No clue brother...

I don't even see that in my translation of the Tao Te Ching.

Sorry

Speed

Posted: 7/22/2010 7:15:48 AM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:

if you cultivate from nothingness, did you waste your time?

Well, the word "nothingness" is again, a translation.

The "nothingness" that practitioners of Eastern traditions seek, is the "formless void that predates and still encompasses everything".

It's really a complex concept that refers to "God" in It's highest creative state.

NOT, as in the absence of everything, like the English word implies.
Anyway, I try to cultivate the influence that "God", "Tao", "Nothingness", etc...has in my life.

It's not quantifiable, but it IS tangible (to me personally).
Speed

Posted: 7/22/2010 7:28:18 AM EDT

[#48]

Taoists sometime seem to be cultivating a Doris Day-like "Whatever will be will be" philosophy toward life: quiet acceptance of whatever.

Others seem to be cultivating an ability to kick people through walls with their mind.

Are these unfair characterizations? Or do I just not know any real Taoists?

Posted: 7/22/2010 7:39:44 AM EDT

[#49]

Quoted:

Taoists sometime seem to be cultivating a Doris Day-like "Whatever will be will be" philosophy toward life: quiet acceptance of whatever.

Others seem to be cultivating an ability to kick people through walls with their mind.

Are these unfair characterizations? Or do I just not know any real Taoists?

I don't know. I'm not a Taoist.

(that's a RELIGION, completely different from what I practice)

The religion of Taoism has always had some philosophical issues w/ Confucism.

Think of Protestants and Catholics

Philosophically, my tradition is closer to Confucism, so a Taoist might want to argue w/ me...idk

I only know one Toaist pretty well, and he's very immature and irritating.

I don't think it's a reflection of his religion or anything, but I can't give an impression of Taoists in general.
People are just people

Speed

Posted: 7/22/2010 8:03:48 AM EDT

[#50]

Quoted:
Here's a question....

How fucked up do you have be to study "eastern mysticism"?

Life doesn't seem all that hard to understand.

Now that is a good question!!!!!

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ask a Tao Cultivator Anything.

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